In an early look at the 2010 U.S. Senate race in Connecticut, Democratic incumbent Christopher
Dodd gets just 42 percent to 43 percent for former U.S. Rep. Rob Simmons, a possible Republican
challenger, according to a Quinnipiac University poll released today.

For Simmons, 53 percent do not know enough to form an opinion. Caligiuri and Kudlow
are even more unknown, at 88 and 87 percent.

"These numbers have to worry Sen. Christopher Dodd. Former Congressman Simmons is
not well known outside his district, yet he is running neck and neck with Dodd at this point," said
Quinnipiac University Poll Director Douglas Schwartz, PhD.

"Simmons easily wins his former district. The good news for Dodd is that this is the first
poll in a long time where Dodd's job approval hasn't dropped. It appears that Dodd's slide may
have ended."

"Recently, there has been talk that CNBC host Larry Kudlow is considering running
against Dodd."

Connecticut voters give Gov. Jodi Rell a 75 - 19 percent approval rating. The 69 - 23
percent Democratic approval for the Republican Governor is higher than the overall approval
rating for any governor in any state polled by Quinnipiac University so far this year. Voters also
approve 61 - 28 percent of the way Gov. Rell is handling the state budget.

State Attorney General Richard Blumenthal does even better, with an 81 - 10 percent
approval rating, including 73 - 17 percent among Republicans.

Connecticut liquor stores should be allowed to sell alcohol on Sunday, voters say 54 - 44
percent. There is a substantial gender gap on this issue: Men support Sunday sales 62 - 37
percent while women split with 50 percent opposed and 48 percent supporting the measure.

Voters oppose 58 - 39 percent allowing the sale of wine and hard liquor in grocery stores.
Here, men and women are in agreement.

Decriminalizing small amounts of marijuana, where low-level users face a fine similar to a
traffic ticket rather than a criminal charge, is a good idea, Connecticut voters say 58 - 37 percent.
Republicans oppose a reduction in marijuana penalties 51 - 44 percent. Decriminalization wins
68 - 30 percent among Democrats and 58 - 35 percent among independent voters. Voters in
every age group, even those over 65, approve.

"Although Connecticut is known as the land of steady habits, Nutmeggers appear willing,
to change the law so that Connecticut package stores can sell alcohol on Sunday," Schwartz said.

20. How likely do you think it is that the state will pass a new state budget
by the legislature's last day of the session on June 3rd? Very likely, somewhat
likely, not too likely, or not likely at all?

25. There is a proposal in the state legislature that would decriminalize
possession of small amounts of marijuana. Low-level marijuana users would be
punished with a fine, instead of a criminal charge. Do you think this is a good
idea or a bad idea?